Homemade catsup was a staple pantry condiment long before commercial ketchup became common in grocery stores. This vintage-style recipe reflects an older approach to preserving tomatoes with warm spices and vinegar for a rich, tangy flavor. The combination of black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, and celery seed gives the sauce a deep savory-sweet character that’s far more complex than modern bottled ketchup. Recipes like this were especially popular during harvest season when gardens produced an abundance of ripe tomatoes and home cooks looked for practical ways to preserve them. Thick, flavorful, and wonderfully nostalgic, this old-fashioned catsup pairs beautifully with burgers, meatloaf, potatoes, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 lb onions (chopped)
- 1 gallon tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 lbs brown sugar
- 3 tsp pepper (black pepper)
- 4 tbsp salt
- 2 cloves
- 2 tsp mustard
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 qt vinegar
- 1 tsp celery seed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the onions and tomatoes into large pieces.
- Place them into a large heavy pot.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
- Add the brown sugar, pepper, cloves, salt, mustard, cinnamon, allspice, vinegar, and celery seed.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Blend and Strain
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Blend until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve if a smoother catsup is desired.
Step 5: Finish and Store
- Return to the pot and simmer until thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Pour into sterilized jars or bottles.
- Refrigerate after cooling.
Tips
- Add brown sugar for a sweeter, more modern ketchup flavor.
- Use apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.
- Include a pinch of cloves for a warmer spice profile.
- Simmer longer for a thicker catsup.
- Blend thoroughly for a smoother texture.
- Roast the tomatoes first for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- Use heirloom tomatoes for richer tomato flavor.
- Store in sterilized mason jars for longer shelf life.
- Serve alongside burgers, fries, meatloaf, or grilled meats.
Nutrition
Calories: 28kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 390mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.5mg
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